Dynamics of the number and productivity of <i>Hereford</i> breeding cattle in the Novosibirsk region

Abstract

The article presents an analysis of the state of the breeding stock of Hereford cattle in the Novosibirsk region in dynamics for 2021–2023. The Hereford breed is one of the most common breeds of beef cattle in Russia and in the world, and its productive qualities and the ability to adapt to different climatic conditions and pasture content allows it to be successfully used to produce high-quality and environmentally friendly meat. The results of zootechnical reports on bonification from breeding farms of the Novosibirsk region were analyzed, a comparison of indicators of productivity and use of herd animals, including own productivity, growth and development of young animals, reproductive qualities and longevity of cows of breeding herds, was carried out. It was found that despite the reduction in the number of breeding farms and breeding stock of Hereford cattle in the Novosibirsk region, is an improvement in both individual signs of productivity of cows and young animals, as well as in the overall class composition of the herd. Nevertheless, the available livestock seems to be insufficient in terms of meeting the needs of farms for breeding animals adapted to the climate conditions of Western Siberia and year-round outdoor maintenance. Currently, the animals produced at Sibirskaya Niva LLC most adequately meet the requirements of the market, but their number is extremely insufficient both for the formation of breeding herds of commodity farms in volumes corresponding to those necessary to fill the beef market, and for the formation of daughter breeding herds in the region.